Firefighters make progress on regional wildfires

As work to contain two wildfires in the region continues, triple-digit temperatures, dry conditions and a chance of storms with lightning and winds could challenge firefighters.

As work to contain two wildfires in the region continues, triple-digit temperatures, dry conditions and a chance of storms with lightning and winds could challenge firefighters.

The Fort Complex fires, burning in the Klamath National Forest in California and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon, is 23 percent contained, according to InciWeb.org, a fire information website. Almost 750 crewmembers are helping fight the blazes, which were started by lightning strikes Aug. 6.

The three fires of the Fort Complex have grown to 3,790 acres total, InciWeb shows. They have an estimated containment date of Thursday, Aug. 30.

The Barry Point Fire, started by a lightning strike Aug. 6, has an estimated full containment date of Saturday, Aug. 25, InciWeb reports. Officials said the fire has grown to 79,000 acres. As of today, it is about 30 percent contained, and is being fought by nearly 1,350 firefighters.

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch predicting thunderstorms across Southern Oregon and Northern California beginning Friday and gaining intensity Saturday.

Abundant lightning might start new fires that could be driven by strong winds around the storms. Scattered thunderstorms on Friday afternoon might not bring much rainfall, but later storms should be wetter, the forecast said.

Forecasters predict a high temperature of 105 degrees today with a high of 104 for Friday.

The fire danger level has moved to extreme fire due to consistent triple-digit temperatures and low humidity levels in Southern Oregon. Outdoor burning, smoking in areas of combustive vegetation, chainsaws, power mowing dry grass, and fireworks are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are only allowed on improved roads.